Improvement in spring whiffletree-clips



W. GULLBRS. Spring Whiffletree-Clip.

No. 219,919. Patented Sept. 23, 187 9.

92 I X44144, MM.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. CULLERS, OF ALLEGHENY, PA., ASSIGNOR TO HIMSELF AND CHARLES W. GOGHRAN, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN SPRING WHlFFLETREE-CLIPS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 219,919; dated September 23, 1879; application .filed August 4, 1879-.

'draft-cli p, and Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in each.

My invention consists in an improved construction of spring draft-clips, and it is fully I set forth in the following specification and claims.

My improved device has a clip socket or sleeve a, which fits over the end of the single-tree b. Extending forward at right angles therefrom is a tubular case, c, which contains the draft-spring d and the draft bolt or pin 0. The socket on has an opening, f, in the rear side opposite to the rear end of the springcase 0. The draft-pin, e is first put through the spring d, and then they are both inserted into the spring-case. through the opening f. The head of the pin 0 bears against the rear end of the spring, and its poingcl projects beyond the end of the case 0, and is there provided with a trace-hook, g. The forward end of the case 0 has a head or flange, 0, against which the front end of the spring (1 has its bearing. The case cis provided with an opening, 0', in its under side, to permit the escape of dirt and thereby prevent the spring from becoming clogged.

When this clip is put on a single-tree the latter fills the socket and covers the head of the pin a, securing it permanently in place. It gives the single-tree a finished and handsome appearance, and is light and inexpensive.

The clip and its spring-case are cast in one piece, and this enables me to make it at small cost, makes it more durable and more easily put on than clips made of several pieces, and at the same time it is notopen to the danger of the loss of parts as such sectional clips are.

Instead of the front end of the spring-case being solid with the case, it may be closed by a cap screwed thereon; or the front bearing of the spring may be against a pin cast or riveted into the case and extending across it. If desired, the spring and draft-pin may be inserted at the front end. In such case the bear ing must be put on afterward, and it may consist of a screw-cap, a bushing, a pin, or other suitable device. The rear opening, f, may then be omitted.

In light vehicles the outer end of the sleeve a is designed to be closed.

The construction of this clip will be varied in form, strength, and weight to suit various grades of vehicles. j

I am aware that spring draft-clips having tubular spring-cases are old, and also that a clip having a tubular case and a socket-for attaching it to the tree has been made in one piece, and I do not claim such devices, as in them the spring-case stands at the rear of the tree, the spring has its bearing against the tree or an extension thereof, and the tree is pierced and consequently weakened by their attachment thereto.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A spring draft clip having the tubular body or socket to, the tubular spring-case 0, extending at right angles to the socket a, and the hole f in the rear side of the socket a, opposite to the rear end of the springease 0, substantially for the purposes described.

2. The tubular springcase having a hole in its under side for the escape of dirt therefrom, substantially as and for the purposes described.

In testimony whereof I, the said WILLIAM H. CULLERs, have hereunto set my hand this 1st day of August, A. D. 1879.

.WILLIAM H. CULLERS.

Witnesses:

G. E. MILLIKEN, T. B. KERR. 

